Sec. 15. Water and sewer assistance program.

235 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-305/act-21/15

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The Department is authorized to institute a program whereby a water or sewer provider may voluntarily participate to ensure the availability and affordability of water and sewer services to low-income citizens. The Department shall implement the program by rule adopted pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The program shall be consistent with the purposes and objectives of this Act and with all other specific requirements provided in this Act. The Department may enter into such contracts and other agreements with local agencies as may be necessary for the purpose of administering the water and sewer assistance program.

(b)Nothing in this Act shall be construed as altering or limiting the authority conferred on the Commission by the Public Utilities Act to regulate all aspects of the provision of public utility service, including, but not limited to, the authority to make rules and adjudicate disputes between utilities and customers related to eligibility for utility service, deposits, payment practices, and discontinuance of service.

(c)The Department is authorized to institute an outreach program directed at low-income minority heads of households and heads of households age 60 or older. The Department shall implement the program through rules adopted pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The program shall be consistent with the purposes and objectives of this Act and with all other specific requirements set forth in this subsection.